Let’s be honest: in our busy and chaotic daily routine, we often overlook the importance of family time. As a result, taking some time off to reconnect with your family becomes a valuable necessity. Among the countless responsibilities and hectic schedules that keep you occupied, a vacation with your loved ones presents an excellent opportunity to create memories and cherish them forever. Now, the question is, what’s the perfect family vacation destination? Head to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for an unforgettable vacation experience.
The city, also known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a visual treat for every nature lover, including scenic mountains, waterfalls, and lush forests. From exotic wildlife to endless hiking trails, Gatlinburg has it all. But the city isn’t just about scenery and nature! It also includes fun, family-friendly attractions like Ober Gatlinburg and Ripley’s Aquarium. Besides that, Gatlinburg is nothing less than a paradise for food lovers as it offers a wide range of cuisines, such as Southern and Appalachian Cuisine, satisfying everyone’s cravings.
If you want to know more about why Gatlinburg is the perfect family vacation destination, continue reading.
1. Excellent Accommodations
While planning a family vacation, people are primarily concerned about the accommodation options available at the destination. The good news is that Gatlinburg is home to a wide range of lodging options, catering to every traveler’s budget and requirements. The town has everything from a cabin in the mountains to a luxurious hotel.
Here are some incredible places to stay in Gatlinburg that offer a unique and memorable experience:
- Hotels: Gatlinburg includes many hotels that cater to different requirements and budgets. Staying in these hotels allows travelers to be near downtown Gatlinburg and enjoy the excellent activities nearby.
- Cabins: This is one of the most popular accommodation types in Gatlinburg. After all, cabins allow tourists to wake up and witness the breathtaking mountain vistas. These cabins are also perfect for families of all sizes.
- Condos: Are you looking for the perfect combination of comfort and convenience? If yes, it’s best to stay in a condo. These condos strike an outstanding balance between the privacy of a cabin and the comfort of a hotel.
2. Family-friendly Attractions
Do you know what makes Gatlinburg a fantastic family vacation spot? Well, it includes countless fun and thrilling attractions for every type of visitor. Whether traveling with kids, teenagers, or your parents, you can easily find an attraction that caters to your needs and interests.
Some of the best family-friendly attractions include:
- Gatlin’s Mini Golf: It includes two outdoor mini golf courses that blend fun and skills perfectly. The courses are designed so that players are required to use their skills and overcome all challenges and obstacles.
- Ripley’s Aquarium: The attraction introduces you to the underwater world. You’ll be surrounded by incredible exhibits, including large and small sea creatures, during your visit. Tourists can also get a 360-view of ocean predators from a glass tunnel like sharks.
- Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster: This attraction offers a unique yet thrilling experience as visitors ride down the mountain and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The carts are equipped with brakes, allowing visitors to control the speed.
3. Delectable Cuisines
Trust us, Gatlinburg won’t disappoint you with the delicious cuisines it has to offer. Whether you’re craving Southern staples or a tasty steak, the town serves everything.
- The city is situated in the South, allowing visitors to get an authentic taste of Southern dishes like biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, BBQ, and collard greens. Visitors can also try the famous country ham for its savory and distinct flavor.
- You can also experience the traditional Appalachian cuisine in Gatlinburg. It offers various dishes like beans, cornbread, and apple pies.
- Even though the city is in the mountains, it offers fresh seafood dishes. You can enjoy dishes like crab, shrimp, and fish made in different styles.
- Gatlinburg’s list of unique cuisines also includes steakhouses. It has many fantastic steakhouses that serve perfect steaks with different sides, like mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables.
- The town also has different sweet dishes where you can taste caramel apples, pancakes, and chocolate fudge brownies.
4. Intriguing Museums
Yes, that’s right, Gatlinburg is home to various interesting and exciting museums! But don’t let the word ‘museum’ make you feel it will be a dull experience. In fact, the museums in the town are anything but boring.
- The Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum in Gatlinburg offers an experience unlike any other. The museum is perfect for every visitor. Children can roam around and see the exciting exhibits, while adults can learn about the fantastic displays at the museum.
- If you’re looking for something unique and fun, visiting the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum is a must. The museum contains around 20,000 salt and pepper shaker sets. Throughout the museum, you can learn about the backstory of the museum and see how little objects have changed. You can also get souvenirs like a mug or a shirt on your way back.
5. Plentiful Shopping Opportunities
Believe it or not, Gatlinburg is every shopper’s dream come true. It includes a variety of incredible shops and boutiques. From unique gifts to local crafts to luxurious clothes, you can find it all here.
- The Village includes a range of fantastic shopping opportunities where every visitor can find something that matches their interests and needs. For instance, if you need hiking supplies, head to Day Hiker. On the other hand, if you’re searching for toys for your children, visit Cartoons & Toys.
- Another great place to shop in Gatlinburg is the Mountain Mall. It is home to about 30 shops, offering something for everyone. No matter what you’re looking for, the stores at Mountain Mall offer everything.
- You can visit the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community to look for excellent souvenirs like toy animals, shirts, and mugs for your loved ones.
Final Thoughts
To wrap it up, Gatlinburg is the ideal destination for a family vacation. It offers a wide range of lodging options. The town offers it all, whether you’re looking for a rental cabin or a hotel room. In addition, the city serves a range of cuisines, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience. It also includes many thrilling attractions that promise visitors an incredible time. The town also has museums that combine knowledge and fun effortlessly.
